Pattern Making Software - Sew, Knit, Crochet etc

[Morgan]

(Unsure which is the best board for the links to these products/resources/tools so parked under Tools but mods please move if there is somewhere more appropriate.)

A thread for links to pattern making software and tools for a domestic or small enterprise setting rather than a large scale manufacturing setting, plus links to practical and useful information or reviews about them.


Notes to bear in mind
* Patternmaking tools are not a magic solution to fitting issues.  The software packages/applications work in different ways and incorporate different levels of sophistication.   The key differences for the user experience is how the user can tweak the 'drawing', eg. change the numbers in a table or click on a node and drag it to a new position, WYSIWYG and so on.  Some are more flexible than others and a package must both suit your needs and your preferred way of working.
* Software packages are tools that can be used to best effect when the user already has an understanding of pattern making and fitting
All packages have limitations and once the user knows how to operate the system the trick is to learn how to make the package draw what you want rather than what it wants to give you.

[Morgan]

Dress Shop Pattern Making
This is a modular system where the user can start with a basic package, try it and later upgrade to more comprehensive versions and also supplement it with add-ons of pattern templates.  Over time with upgrades and fashion collection updates, the overall price may become more than other packages.
Windows based - Mac users can run only in a Windows environment
Compare the versions here


Some reviews on PR of garments made with this software

[Morgan]

Wild Ginger Packages


Pattern Master Boutique is the package aimed at a domestic setting

[Morgan]

Garment Designer by Cochenille
Choose either Mac or Windows


This is a user friendly package where the user can either enter custom measurements or choose a template from a wide range of baby, children, Women (inc plus and petite) Men etc.  In addition, the user can click and drag points and lines to create the pattern piece shapes that they want.  With this package the user creates their own patterns and styles rather than tweaking or adjusting a pre-set pattern.
The package is geared toward sewing, knitting and weaving. 


Videos - http://www.cochenille.com/garment-designer/garment-designer-videos/


In the UK this package is distrubted by Gabrielle's Sewing Studio http://www.gabrielles-sewing-studio.co.uk/garment-designer/

[Morgan]

PatternMaker


The programme aimed at the domestic setting is more of an editing/manipulation package.  The user loads the pattern and adjusts it before printing.  The patterns are not built into the programme as they are with most other software packages.


For those familiar with machine embroidery digitising programmes, it's approach is that the main programme is the full digitising/drawing package and the cutdown version is a basic editing package.

[Morgan]

My Pattern Designer
The table compares the features available on the Standard and Pro Packages


The user has options to begin with choosing a body type and mixing top/bottom sizes or can enter custom measurements into a wizard and use those to set up a pattern from the collection.  It's based on USA sizing tables.
There is the option to buy some add ons


List of pattern styles available for the two packages

[Morgan]

Intertwined is a programme for either Mac or Windows to create knitting, crochet, lace and weaving stitch patterns
There is a library of stitches and users can create their own custom designs.
Supports both flat and in the round knitting formats.

more info on Ravelry

[Morgan]

Stitchworks is a programme for Crochet
Simple and straight forward to use
There is a library of stitches/designs and the user can create their own.  The system is chart based using common symbols and can be used for publishing or sharing designs.

[Morgan]

StitchPainter by Cochenille


A flexible design drawing tool for colours symbols etc. and ideal for any grid based pattern design
Great for designing a motif, knitting pattern designs, weaving designs, tapestry,  and lace, crochet and tatting designs using a grid/chart method


Beading and Stitchery plug in modules are available

[Morgan]

Filet Crochet Designs by Sandcastle Designs


Windows only


Library of stitches and designs and create your own

[Morgan]

Knitbird
Windows or Mac
A simple knitting pattern colour chart plus stitch symbol to design and create knitting charts.

[Morgan]

Fittingly Sew


(For Non-Stretch)
The latest addition to this programme allows you to load a photo of your fabric and work out your pattern placement and print it on the pattern.


You can also scan an existing pattern and edit.

[Morgan]

Designaknit
made by the same company as Fittingly Sew

Knitting patterns, stitches and graphics with a Lace tool - for hand and machine knitting

[Vegegrow]

Many thanks for all your hard work Morgan much appreciated 

[Francesca]

Fantastic list!

Recently found something called Fitography which is supposed to help you print out patterns based on actual photographs of your body. You take 8 photographs, then create an outline of yourself on the software marking waistlines, hips, bust points etc. Then the software, much like others, creates a pattern to your measurements. But this one is designed for a shape much closer to your own.

I really, really want it! It's 30 USD which includes two patterns (after that they are 15 USD to purchase).